From: owner-80-96-list-digest ford-trucks.com (80-96-list-digest)
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Subject: 80-96-list-digest V3 #332
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80-96-list-digest Thursday, November 25 1999 Volume 03 : Number 332



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1980-1996 Trucks and Vans
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
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In this issue:

FTE 80-96 - rear fenders
Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?
FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
Re: FTE 80-96 - Clunking Noise
Re: FTE 80-96 - Re: wrist pin and piston wall oiling
Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?
Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
Re: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?
Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
FTE 80-96 - Door lock mystery
Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?
Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
FTE 80-96 - interval wiper switch
FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck
Re: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck
Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
Re: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck
Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?
Re: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck

=======================================================================

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 06:52:55 -0500
From: "Max W. Cottrell"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - rear fenders

Hi everyone! I'm new to the list, '89 F150 302, 5 spd manual. The truck is
all black (including the windows) and looks sweet. However.....The rear
fenders have the typical surface rust on them. Short of replacing panels and
attempting to match the paint, I'm going to grind to good metal and seal with
fiberglass resin (works great for stopping rust) and then replace the stock
chrome
trim with a wider version. I used to have a catalog that sold them, but alas it

has disappeared. So now I'm looking for wide chrome trim. Does anyone know
where I can find these? The only ones that I seem to be able to find are
plastic.

Max Cottrell, '98 F150

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Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 06:42:50 -0600
From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
Subject: Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Blake Malkamaki

> Collect some of it and determine what it is. The only time I have seen
> green liquid coming from an exhaust, it has been antifreeze.
>
OK........So how do I test it??? The only way I can think of so far is to
use litmus paper to compare tailpipe with radiator sample. Then SWMBO says
stick it in the freezer, reasoning if it's antifreeze it won't freeze!

NEED INPUT >
Smeck

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 08:29:56 -0600
From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze

Litmus test results on radiator and tailpipe samples:

On a pH scale of 0-14 (0=acid, 7=neutral, 14=alkaline)...........

Radiator sample = 9 (diluted to same approximate color as tailpipe sample)
Tailpipe sample = 3

Put 'em in the icebox and they both froze. Hmmm.................. Probably
too dilute for the antifreeze to do any good 8^>>

Soooo......What does this all mean? Test indicates the two samples had
radically different pH's, but is inconclusive as far as determining which
(or both) contained antifreeze.
Based on the age/condition of my truck, the gut says it's antifreeze. Who
ever mentioned acids in the exhaust was right on the money though. No wonder
exhaust systems have such a short life! In the meantime I'll keep a watchful
eye on the radiator recovery tank to see what's going on.
Wish I had a chromatagraph
Smeck

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 12:11:22 PST
From: "ken haley"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Clunking Noise

>mpmccarthy worldnet.att.net writes:
>
>guy
> who did the brake job (me) left out one of the little tension springs for
> the caliper. Putting in the tension spring solved the problem......
>Because
>it pushes downward on the caliper it can make it more difficult to get the
>retaining pin back in and it is tempting to leave it out.. >>
> Your little story sure raised the hair on my spine!! I recently
>uncovered
>a do-it-yourselfers mistake on a brake job as being the cause of a fatal
>accident. (currently charges are pending, poor fellow) Every piece of the
>braking system is important! When in doubt, take it to a professional......
>we all share the same streets.
>Alex
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>


The problem with many "professionals", is they aren't. In an era of
increasing complexities in engineering, the professionals can't even keep
up. Shelves of repair manuals fill an entire 12X14 foot room at my local
fix-it emporium. The owner is a bud, so he lets me access the library and
borrow special tools. :-) He complains he cannot find qualified mechanics,
and he has to really watch over the work of those he does find with
credentials. Those tech-school diplomas are often less meaningful than the
glass that covers them. Then, one must consider the mental state of the
person doing the job. Is he hung over? Is he preoccuppied with how to pay
the orthodontist?

Where people get into trouble with DIY is tearing into something without an
adequate knowledge of what they are doing. Most people over-estimate their
own abilities in whatever it is the are doing. People get in a hurry and try
to not spend an extra penny.

The main steps in successful DIY are:

1) Know what you are doing. Do not trust everything others tell you, consult
published manuals, preferably more than one when preparing for a new task.
This includes safe work practices, too. Concrete blocks and stacks of 2X4s
do not jackstands make.

2) Have the "right" tools for the job. Homemade tools are often better than
purchased tools, and cheaper, but make sure the homemade tools really can do
the job.

3) Keep things organized. Never trust yourself to remember which bolt goes
where. This can be as simple as putting the lug nuts in the hubcap while
changing a tire. This can be as complex as labeling both ends of every
connection, bagging related hardware, making drawings, taking Polaroids,
stopping between each step to make a written record of what you've done,
etc.

4) Take your time--many jobs are botched because of a rush to get done.
Parts are overlooked and left out. I've seen brke drums left off after brake
jobs, and throwout bearings left out. Check, double check, and triple check
every step.

5) Follow the procedures listed in the book. The books are not always right,
but odds are the writers know more than you.

Hope these ideas help. Taking the effort and time to do it right the first
time is a lot easier and cheaper than doing it over.

Ken

______________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 12:14:37 PST
From: "ken haley"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Re: wrist pin and piston wall oiling

Les,

It is hard to break a 302 bottom end, not impossible. The only absolute is
there are no absolutes. 8-)

Ken

______________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 12:20:31 PST
From: "ken haley"
Subject: Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?

Shmeck,

The heat in the exhaust probably evaporated the alcohol (not the drinking
kind) from the antifreeze long before the liquid drips from the tailpipe, so
it will freeze pretty quickly.

Ken

______________________________________________________
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 14:29:00 -0800
From: Rob Bryan
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze

Are you slowly losing coolant? Do bubbles form in the radiator when the
engine is under load (remove cap, have someone run engine at about 1/2 to
full throttle with trans in D and foot on brake and check for exhaust
bubbles in radiator). Was the engine overheated recently? If so, it is
probably a coolant leak. If not, it is probably the exhaust reaction
mentioned in the TSB.

Rob
'90 Bronco
'93 PGT

> From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
> Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 08:29:56 -0600
> To:
> Subject: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
>
> Litmus test results on radiator and tailpipe samples:
>
> On a pH scale of 0-14 (0=acid, 7=neutral, 14=alkaline)...........
>
> Radiator sample = 9 (diluted to same approximate color as tailpipe sample)
> Tailpipe sample = 3
>
> Put 'em in the icebox and they both froze. Hmmm.................. Probably
> too dilute for the antifreeze to do any good 8^>>
>
> Soooo......What does this all mean? Test indicates the two samples had
> radically different pH's, but is inconclusive as far as determining which
> (or both) contained antifreeze.
> Based on the age/condition of my truck, the gut says it's antifreeze. Who
> ever mentioned acids in the exhaust was right on the money though. No wonder
> exhaust systems have such a short life! In the meantime I'll keep a watchful
> eye on the radiator recovery tank to see what's going on.
> Wish I had a chromatagraph
> Smeck
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 14:29:01 -0800
From: Rob Bryan
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?

The "antifreeze" in coolant is a glycol not an alcohol, for what it is worth
(although a long time ago, alcohol was used instead of ethylene glycol for
the purpose). It does not evaporate as readily as alcohol does.

> From: "ken haley"
> Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 12:20:31 PST
> To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?
>
> Shmeck,
>
> The heat in the exhaust probably evaporated the alcohol (not the drinking
> kind) from the antifreeze long before the liquid drips from the tailpipe, so
> it will freeze pretty quickly.
>
> Ken
>
> ______________________________________________________
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 14:56:59 -0800
From: Doug Arnold
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze

That may be the way to check the head gasket but I wouldn't want to be the one
standing in front of the truck to check the radiator!
Doug

Rob Bryan wrote:

> Are you slowly losing coolant? Do bubbles form in the radiator when the
> engine is under load (remove cap, have someone run engine at about 1/2 to
> full throttle with trans in D and foot on brake and check for exhaust
> bubbles in radiator). Was the engine overheated recently? If so, it is
> probably a coolant leak. If not, it is probably the exhaust reaction
> mentioned in the TSB.
>
> Rob
> '90 Bronco
> '93 PGT
>
> > From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
> > Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 08:29:56 -0600
> > To:
> > Subject: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
> >
> > Litmus test results on radiator and tailpipe samples:
> >
> > On a pH scale of 0-14 (0=acid, 7=neutral, 14=alkaline)...........
> >
> > Radiator sample = 9 (diluted to same approximate color as tailpipe sample)
> > Tailpipe sample = 3
> >
> > Put 'em in the icebox and they both froze. Hmmm.................. Probably
> > too dilute for the antifreeze to do any good 8^>>
> >
> > Soooo......What does this all mean? Test indicates the two samples had
> > radically different pH's, but is inconclusive as far as determining which
> > (or both) contained antifreeze.
> > Based on the age/condition of my truck, the gut says it's antifreeze. Who
> > ever mentioned acids in the exhaust was right on the money though. No wonder
> > exhaust systems have such a short life! In the meantime I'll keep a watchful
> > eye on the radiator recovery tank to see what's going on.
> > Wish I had a chromatagraph
> > Smeck
> >
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> >
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 18:14:20 -0500
From: Paul
Subject: FTE 80-96 - Door lock mystery

As the power door lock actuator in my 91 Bronco started to "bind", I had
similar problems...almost like when you have a bad ground connection,
mysterious things seemingly unrelated seemed to happen!

Since the actuator is "in line" with the mechanism, I just popped out
the rivets in the door jamb and properly twisted the solenoid thing,
unplugged it, and now just unlock it by hand.

Deja vu: Why is it that the right side door is always the bad one?

Regards, Paul
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 17:30:14 -0600
From: Jim Cannon
Subject: Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?

At 12:20 24/11/99 PST, Ken wrote:
>Shmeck,
>
>The heat in the exhaust probably evaporated the alcohol (not the drinking
>kind) from the antifreeze long before the liquid drips from the tailpipe, so
>it will freeze pretty quickly.

ARGHHH!!!

I have stayed out of the green stuff dripping out of the tailpipe
discussion for as long as I could. Guys, it is water with traces of
corrosion byproducts in it. It is not antifreeze.

There has not been any alcohol in antifreeze for at least 30 years. Most of
it is elthylene glycol based. The newer stuff has propylene glycol in it.
Both of these break down with time, which is why you need to flush and
refill every 3 years or so. They also have a lot of water (you dilute 50/50
when you start out, and the stuff in the bottle has water in it already).

The fancy green dye in the antifreeze does not survive the combustion
process in the small amounts you would get in a leaky head gasket. I once
blew the head gasket on my '50 Buick and it looked like I was driving a
Stanley Steamer (huge cloud of steam behind the car). The liquid dripping
out of the tailpipe was not green, it was clear. When I got home and pulled
the plugs I siphoned out a lot of coolant from #7 and #8 sparkplug holes
(after draining what was left in the cooling system). It was green, but it
had not been in the cylinder while it was running.

The Ford TSB is right, it is just corrosion stuff, and drilling a small
drain hole is a good solution.


Jim Cannon
Houston, TX "A Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech
'29 Ford Model A Phaeton and a helluva' engineer!"
'80 Ford F-150 300 I-6 2WD '63 Buick Riviera 401 V-8
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 16:11:55 -0800
From: Rob Bryan
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze

You can do it standing to the side. You can also raise the drivewheels off
the ground and support the chassis on jackstands.

Rob

> From: Doug Arnold
> Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 14:56:59 -0800
> To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
>
> That may be the way to check the head gasket but I wouldn't want to be the one
> standing in front of the truck to check the radiator!
> Doug
>
> Rob Bryan wrote:
>
>> Are you slowly losing coolant? Do bubbles form in the radiator when the
>> engine is under load (remove cap, have someone run engine at about 1/2 to
>> full throttle with trans in D and foot on brake and check for exhaust
>> bubbles in radiator). Was the engine overheated recently? If so, it is
>> probably a coolant leak. If not, it is probably the exhaust reaction
>> mentioned in the TSB.
>>
>> Rob
>> '90 Bronco
>> '93 PGT
>>
>>> From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
>>> Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
>>> Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 08:29:56 -0600
>>> To:
>>> Subject: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
>>>
>>> Litmus test results on radiator and tailpipe samples:
>>>
>>> On a pH scale of 0-14 (0=acid, 7=neutral, 14=alkaline)...........
>>>
>>> Radiator sample = 9 (diluted to same approximate color as tailpipe sample)
>>> Tailpipe sample = 3
>>>
>>> Put 'em in the icebox and they both froze. Hmmm.................. Probably
>>> too dilute for the antifreeze to do any good 8^>>
>>>
>>> Soooo......What does this all mean? Test indicates the two samples had
>>> radically different pH's, but is inconclusive as far as determining which
>>> (or both) contained antifreeze.
>>> Based on the age/condition of my truck, the gut says it's antifreeze. Who
>>> ever mentioned acids in the exhaust was right on the money though. No wonder
>>> exhaust systems have such a short life! In the meantime I'll keep a watchful
>>> eye on the radiator recovery tank to see what's going on.
>>> Wish I had a chromatagraph
>>> Smeck
>>>
>>> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>>>
>>
>> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 18:21:53 -0600
From: "Webdoc"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - interval wiper switch

Hey guys,

Seem to remember a post in the past concerning this. 94 F150 with the
interval wiper switch on the turn signal shaft. Works fine on lo and hi,
but have to jiggle (yeah, great tech term) the damn thing to get it to work
on the interval settings. Best of my recollection someone mentioned that
Ford really packed in the electrial grease and one just needs to clean that
out and put in a little new. My question, how do you get the thing off to
get access to the contacts? Do I have to pull the wheel and go at it from
the opposite end? And while I'm at it, how do you get the radio out of the
dash? This is the XL package and it has the AM/FM cassette in it. The
Chilton's has been no help, I know you guys can. BTW, this is a new
addition to the stable, so I'm not real familiar with it just yet.

TIA,

Travis

84 F150, 351W
94 F150 Ext. Cab, 300 I6


Doc
Email webdoc arkansas.net
"Never knock on Death's door... ring the bell and run. He HATES that!"


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Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 19:35:41 -0500
From: "Theodore D.Mills"
Subject: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck

Ok Mr. Smeck....... tell me about my truck please.

VIN 1FTHX26G6MKA73155
- ---------
Info from door sticker

Built 1/91

GVWR 8800 GAWR/FRONT 3920 GAWR/REAR 6084

WB
155

TYPE-GVW
X268

BODY
FBM

TRANS
E

AXLE
C9

TAPE
1

SPRINGS
74A
- ---------
What I'd like to know is what equipment is contained in trailer tow option
and super cooling option?

My owner's manual shows 3 different GCWR's (10,000 11,000 and 12,000 I
think) for my engine and axle ratio. Where do you find the GCWR??

The axle code I have is (C9) is not listed in my owner's manual. I checked
the tag on the rear and I found a line that says 3L55. Am I correct in
assuming that's 3.55 limited slip?

The truck has the wiring for trailer tow (lights & electric brakes) but it
had no extra tranny cooler. It has an engine oil cooler, but my Haynes
manual says all the 7.5's do. It also has a nice thick radiator, looks like
4 row.

I have since added a 20,000 lb+ tranny cooler (better safe than sorry).

I bought this truck to replace my 85 Ranger as the tow vehicle for my
camper (3000 lb), and I know that 3K is nothing for a 460, but I'd like to
know how much room I have for expansion in the towing department. Someday
I'd like to get a bigger camper.

Maybe later I'll tell you what I had to do to the Ranger to get it to tow
3K with out cooking itself.....

Thanks Ted



Ted Mills N3KWQ

84 Mustang GT 5.0 (in pieces)
85 Ranger 4X2 2.8L
91 F-250 4X4X460 (The Beast)
94 Taurus LX Wagon 3.8L
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Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 21:31:58 -0500
From: S Spaulding
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck

Ted,

I'll be rude and jump in, since the 1991 service manual is right here...

1FT = Ford Motor Company USA, Truck (complete vehicle)
H = Hydraulic brakes, 8501-9000 lbs.
X26 = F-Series, F-250, 4x4, Pickup - super cab or crew cab
G = 7.5L 460 CI V-8 Gas
6 = Check Digit
M = 1991
K = Kansas City: Claycomo, Missouri
The rest is the production sequence number.

X268 = 8800 lb. GVWR, 155" wheelbase

F = Cloth captain's chair
B = Trim color - crystal blue
M = Styleside Pickup - Crew Cab

E = Automatic - E4OD

C9 = ? C9 is not listed. 39 is a 6250# 3.55:1; B9 is a 5300# 3.55:1.
Ford loves to change things in the middle of the year, so maybe C9 would
be listed in a 1992 book.

1 = Red Orange if it is solid; Light Regatta Blue/ Bright Regatta Blue
if tutone

74A = ? This breaks down and translates to spring part numbers, but
this format does not match the format in the 1991 service manual.

Regards,
Steve Spaulding


"Theodore D.Mills" wrote:
>
> Ok Mr. Smeck....... tell me about my truck please.
>
> VIN 1FTHX26G6MKA73155
> ---------
> Info from door sticker
>
> Built 1/91
>
> GVWR 8800 GAWR/FRONT 3920 GAWR/REAR 6084
>
> WB
> 155
>
> TYPE-GVW
> X268
>
> BODY
> FBM
>
> TRANS
> E
>
> AXLE
> C9
>
> TAPE
> 1
>
> SPRINGS
> 74A
> ---------
> What I'd like to know is what equipment is contained in trailer tow option
> and super cooling option?
>
> My owner's manual shows 3 different GCWR's (10,000 11,000 and 12,000 I
> think) for my engine and axle ratio. Where do you find the GCWR??
>
> The axle code I have is (C9) is not listed in my owner's manual. I checked
> the tag on the rear and I found a line that says 3L55. Am I correct in
> assuming that's 3.55 limited slip?
>
> The truck has the wiring for trailer tow (lights & electric brakes) but it
> had no extra tranny cooler. It has an engine oil cooler, but my Haynes
> manual says all the 7.5's do. It also has a nice thick radiator, looks like
> 4 row.
>
> I have since added a 20,000 lb+ tranny cooler (better safe than sorry).
>
> I bought this truck to replace my 85 Ranger as the tow vehicle for my
> camper (3000 lb), and I know that 3K is nothing for a 460, but I'd like to
> know how much room I have for expansion in the towing department. Someday
> I'd like to get a bigger camper.
>
> Maybe later I'll tell you what I had to do to the Ranger to get it to tow
> 3K with out cooking itself.....
>
> Thanks Ted
>
> Ted Mills N3KWQ
>
> 84 Mustang GT 5.0 (in pieces)
> 85 Ranger 4X2 2.8L
> 91 F-250 4X4X460 (The Beast)
> 94 Taurus LX Wagon 3.8L
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 18:41:16 -0800
From: Doug Arnold
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze

I would get those wheels off the ground.

Rob Bryan wrote:

> You can do it standing to the side. You can also raise the drivewheels off
> the ground and support the chassis on jackstands.
>
> Rob
>
> > From: Doug Arnold
> > Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 14:56:59 -0800
> > To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> > Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
> >
> > That may be the way to check the head gasket but I wouldn't want to be the one
> > standing in front of the truck to check the radiator!
> > Doug
> >
> > Rob Bryan wrote:
> >
> >> Are you slowly losing coolant? Do bubbles form in the radiator when the
> >> engine is under load (remove cap, have someone run engine at about 1/2 to
> >> full throttle with trans in D and foot on brake and check for exhaust
> >> bubbles in radiator). Was the engine overheated recently? If so, it is
> >> probably a coolant leak. If not, it is probably the exhaust reaction
> >> mentioned in the TSB.
> >>
> >> Rob
> >> '90 Bronco
> >> '93 PGT
> >>
> >>> From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
> >>> Reply-To: 80-96-list ford-trucks.com
> >>> Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 08:29:56 -0600
> >>> To:
> >>> Subject: FTE 80-96 - HeadGasket/Antifreeze
> >>>
> >>> Litmus test results on radiator and tailpipe samples:
> >>>
> >>> On a pH scale of 0-14 (0=acid, 7=neutral, 14=alkaline)...........
> >>>
> >>> Radiator sample = 9 (diluted to same approximate color as tailpipe sample)
> >>> Tailpipe sample = 3
> >>>
> >>> Put 'em in the icebox and they both froze. Hmmm.................. Probably
> >>> too dilute for the antifreeze to do any good 8^>>
> >>>
> >>> Soooo......What does this all mean? Test indicates the two samples had
> >>> radically different pH's, but is inconclusive as far as determining which
> >>> (or both) contained antifreeze.
> >>> Based on the age/condition of my truck, the gut says it's antifreeze. Who
> >>> ever mentioned acids in the exhaust was right on the money though. No wonder
> >>> exhaust systems have such a short life! In the meantime I'll keep a watchful
> >>> eye on the radiator recovery tank to see what's going on.
> >>> Wish I had a chromatagraph
> >>> Smeck
> >>>
> >>> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> >>>
> >>
> >> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> >
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> >
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 21:41:39 -0600
From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Theodore D.Mills

> Ok Mr. Smeck....... tell me about my truck please.
>
> VIN 1FTHX26G6MKA73155
OK Ted, Here goes....
(frm my "87" Truck Spec's bk) sorry if I can't ans all of your ?'s maybe the
other listers can fill in the blanks. (wish I had a "91" book)
Smeck

1FT = Truck (complete vehicle)............this is good 8^>
H = hydraulic brakes, classH, 8,501-9,000lbs
X26 = F250 4x4 Regular Cab/Super Cab
G = 7.5L (460CID) gasoline
6 = check digit
M = ? (should indicate vehicle model yr but my bk only goes to "L"=1990)
K = assembly plant/Kansas City
A73155 = production sequence number


> Info from door sticker

> Built 1/91

> GVWR 8800 GAWR/FRONT 3920 GAWR/REAR 6084
>
> WB
> 155

> TYPE-GVW
> X268 = F250 4x4, GVWR code 8, GVWR 8800lbs, wheel base 155"
>
> BODY
> FBM..... F = seat trim and style code (no data), B = interior trim/Blue, M
= super cab styleside ??
>
> TRANS
> E...........No info
>
> AXLE
> C9 = Ford limited slip 3.55/1, over 8500lbs
>
> TAPE
> 1 = light blue/bright blue ?
>
> SPRINGS
> 74A = ?
> ---------
> What I'd like to know is what equipment is contained in trailer tow option
> and super cooling option?
>
> My owner's manual shows 3 different GCWR's (10,000 11,000 and 12,000 I
> think) for my engine and axle ratio. Where do you find the GCWR??
>
> The axle code I have is (C9) is not listed in my owner's manual. I checked
> the tag on the rear and I found a line that says 3L55. Am I correct in
> assuming that's 3.55 limited slip?
>
> The truck has the wiring for trailer tow (lights & electric brakes) but it
> had no extra tranny cooler. It has an engine oil cooler, but my Haynes
> manual says all the 7.5's do. It also has a nice thick radiator, looks
like
> 4 row.
>
> I have since added a 20,000 lb+ tranny cooler (better safe than sorry).
>
> I bought this truck to replace my 85 Ranger as the tow vehicle for my
> camper (3000 lb), and I know that 3K is nothing for a 460, but I'd like to
> know how much room I have for expansion in the towing department. Someday
> I'd like to get a bigger camper.
>
> Maybe later I'll tell you what I had to do to the Ranger to get it to tow
> 3K with out cooking itself.....
>
> Thanks Ted
>
>
>
> Ted Mills N3KWQ
>
> 84 Mustang GT 5.0 (in pieces)
> 85 Ranger 4X2 2.8L
> 91 F-250 4X4X460 (The Beast)
> 94 Taurus LX Wagon 3.8L
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 21:49:24 -0600
From: "Steve Schmeckpeper"
Subject: Re: Fw: FTE 80-96 - re: HeadGasket?

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Cannon

> ARGHHH!!!

OK..........I'll give it a rest 8^>>
Smeck

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1999 00:30:58 -0500
From: "Theodore D. Mills"
Subject: Re: FTE 80-96 - Questions for the great & powerful Smeck

Thanks to Steve & Smeck for the info.

Everything both of you guys sent back seems to be right on.


>1FT = Ford Motor Company USA, Truck (complete vehicle)
>H = Hydraulic brakes, 8501-9000 lbs.
>X26 = F-Series, F-250, 4x4, Pickup - super cab or crew cab
>G = 7.5L 460 CI V-8 Gas
>6 = Check Digit
>M = 1991
>K = Kansas City: Claycomo, Missouri
>The rest is the production sequence number.
>
>X268 = 8800 lb. GVWR, 155" wheelbase
>
>F = Cloth captain's chair
>B = Trim color - crystal blue
>M = Styleside Pickup - Crew Cab
>
>E = Automatic - E4OD


So far so good.
Does anybody know what the danger signs of impending doom are for the E4OD?
I've gathered from the list here that they're not on of Henry's better
ideas in the early years.
Mine's slow geting into reverse and it seems to have a lot of between gears
lag, sometimes....


>C9 = ? C9 is not listed. 39 is a 6250# 3.55:1; B9 is a 5300# 3.55:1.
>Ford loves to change things in the middle of the year, so maybe C9 would
>be listed in a 1992 book.


Here's what I get from my owner's manual...
39 is as Steve says, 6250# 3.55:1 conventional. B9 as above also.
My manual says C5 is 6250# 4.10: limited slip.
On the limited slip chart the first character, H=3800#, B=5300#, C=6250#,
D=7400#, and F=8250#.
The second character, 5=4.10, 9=3.55, 8=3.08.
So, by applying some logic (really dangerous, I know) C9 would be 6250#
3.55:1 limited slip.
I just thought someone could verify my logic here....


....

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